Driving to the gym enjoying the frosty sunrise, a radio voice reading Dylan Thomas' ''rage against the dying of the light'' drew me in. I had randomly tuned to LCC Radio 89.7 FM and there was Melissa Kaplan, a former co-worker, sharing news from LCC's Performing Arts Department. [Made me smile.]

​On the way home, the blue sky and bright winter sun on the sparkling snow had me singing boisterously in the car, ''Let the sunshine in, face it with a grin. Smilers never lose, and frowners never win.'' [ Made me laugh. ]

Back at reZüberant, I wanted to HEAR the song in my head, so I Googled youtube versions and found a retro Stuart Hamblen version. [Made me sing louder!]

Wanting to share this sunny mood, I searched for images of sunshine to post on my Facebook. Up pops Edward Hopper's ''Morning Sun'' linked to a blog harkening to (are you still with me??) Dylan Thomas and entitled ''Going Gentlly Into That Good Night.'' [Made me think, ''What a coincidence!'']

​My brain was whirring about Dylan Thomas poetry and my interest was piqued about the works of Edward Hopper, especially the paintings featuring sunlight streaming through windows. I found several sunny works, including ''Chop Suey.'' [Made me want to go out to lunch.]

As I am writing this, listening to mvyradio streaming live from Martha's Vineyard, the radio DJ has informed me that today there will be ''lots of sunshine in Newport.'' [Made me realize there is DEFINITELY a theme here!]

Open up your heart and let the sunshine in—it will make you feel SO reZüberant!

It has been four months since I left the friendly confines of McNenly Group to fly solo as a freelance designer. In that time I have learned so much about running a business! I have also come to appreciate more than ever the valuable lessons that my mentor and friend, Kate McNenly, taught me over our nearly 20 years together. Some of her sagest advice:

1. Be nice.

2. Don't look down, because there is no net.

As I toasted Kate on her retirement last March, I reflected on the many hats she wore: Boss. Saleswoman. Accountant. Volunteer. Cheerleader. Psychiatrist. Friend. She wore them all with aplomb. She was, is, and always will be ''General Amazement'' personified.

Kate is still my biggest supporter. I would never be doing what I'm doing without her! I love that she visits me after pilates, and that we still toss each other a clementine from time to time. As I try her hats on for size in my own new business, I hope I will make her proud.